Reconciliation Through Art returns to Almonte with expanded fall programming

A celebration of Indigenous art, culture, music and history is returning to Almonte this fall with an expanded lineup and more opportunities for the community to learn, connect and participate in reconciliation efforts.

As previously reported, Reconciliation Through Art will take place on Sept. 27 and Oct. 2-4, 2026, offering workshops, entertainment, and other programming surrounding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The event is being supported by a team of volunteers and continues under the leadership of Tony Belcourt, a Métis elder, founding president of the Métis Council of Ontario and first president of the Native Council of Canada.

According to organizer David Joliffe, Reconciliation Through Art has grown significantly over the past two years. As a result, the event is taking place over two separate weekend dates this year with several new and returning programs designed for residents of all ages.

The festivities will begin on Sunday, Sept. 27 with a traditional Métis dance workshop at the Almonte Old Town Hall led by Riley McKenzie of the Prairie Fire Métis dance troupe.

On Friday, Oct. 2, the North Lanark Agricultural Hall will host a Traditional Métis Kitchen Party featuring dinner, dancing and live performances. Guests will be treated to boulette y bang, bannock and Bear Paws from the Frybread Queen, along with performances by the Edmonton Traditional Métis Dancers, Juno-nominated musician Amanda Rheaume and fiddlers Jason Lepine and Lionel Desjarlais.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, an Indigenous Art and Artisan Showcase will bring more than two dozen artists to the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (MVTM), where guests can view and purchase artwork from local artists while learning about the stories and techniques behind the pieces.

New this year, organizers are offering hands-on Indigenous beadwork and porcupine quill earring workshops led by Knowledge Keeper Patsea Griffin.

Sunday, Oct. 4, will begin with a ceremonial Water Walk from the Almonte Old Town Hall to Metcalfe Geoheritage Park, followed by a day of Indigenous history, culture and teachings from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The programming will include traditional drumming and jingle dancing, presentations on the history of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and the Métis Nation of Ontario, and opportunities to hear directly from Residential School and Sixties Scoop survivors.

The event will conclude with a screening and talkback of The Apology: A Search for Justice, featuring Métis filmmaker and Indigenous Geographic CEO Matt LeMay, whose film crew was given exclusive access to the delegation involved in the historic meeting with Pope Francis.

While all events are free (with the exception of the Traditional Métis Kitchen Party), pre-registration is required for the film screening and some workshops and presentations.

For the full event schedule and registration information, visit ReconciliationThroughArt.ca. Tickets will be made available at a later date.